diversity committee report
Transcription
diversity committee report
Dear Clients and Friends: As we settle into the new year, we are reminded of the toll the recent economic downturn has taken on many businesses. The past year was a challenge for businesses, and it looks like 2010 will be just as challenging. As your team member, we worked to find new ways to expand client services, add value to your business and control costs for you without diminishing the quality of legal services we provide. This was critical in 2009 and will continue to be critical in 2010. Meeting the Challenge As the old saying goes, “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.” Over the past year or so, the going has definitely become tougher, but Winstead met the challenge of these times serving as a trusted advisor and creating additional value for our clients. The highlights included in this year’s Firm Report are examples of how we leveraged the breadth and depth of our experience to help solve problems and achieve results for our clients. At Winstead, serving as a trusted advisor is more than just responding to client requests in a timely manner. Our attorneys collaborate with you to scrutinize potential business opportunities, and when necessary, anticipate issues before they become a problem. We focus on listening to your concerns, studying your business goals and understanding your industry so we can deliver real value and solutions that make a difference for you. Looking Ahead Winstead’s role as a trusted advisor is critical to your success, which is why our approach to client service will continue to emphasize the following principles in 2010: Do what we do best Continue to provide cost-effective, superior legal services and value to you. Answer the call to duty Meet with you to candidly discuss how we can improve our service and how we can collaborate with you to effectively budget and forecast legal fees and eliminate inefficiencies, including exploring Winstead’s Alternative Pricing Arrangements where appropriate. Continue to improve our diversity Remain focused on Winstead’s diversity initiatives, including the recruitment, retention, development and advancement of men and women of all backgrounds so that our client teams reflect the diversity of our clients and our communities. Remain steadfast in our Core Values Stay the course in carrying out the firm’s core values, which include teamwork, excellence, personal growth, respect, integrity, dependability, intensity, service and commitment. Thanks to the hard work and dedication of our talented team, we are pleased to report that we have made progress in executing our strategic plan, which is to develop and leverage our dominant core competencies in industries where we are market leaders, including financial services, real estate, energy, alternative energy, insurance, sports, infrastructure and technology—to name just a few. While we will continue to be conservative in managing the firm in the current economic climate, we are continuously optimistic about the future. We are confident we have the best team in place and the right long-term business strategy to help you as the economy improves. You have entrusted us with a great level of responsibility and I am confident that we will continue to honor that trust in 2010 and beyond. There are many outstanding law firms to choose from. That’s why we believe we must continue to earn your trust each day by remaining completely client-focused so that our work benefits our clients first and foremost, and not the other way around. We thank you for choosing Winstead to handle your most important legal matters. We appreciate your business and we remain committed to earning it everyday. Together, with the Winstead team, we can make 2010 a better year. If Winstead can be of assistance to you in any way, please feel free to contact me personally at dbraham@winstead.com or contact your regular representative at our firm. Denis Clive Braham Chairman & CEO TABLE OF CONTENTS Winstead Practice Leaders............................................................. 6 BUSINESS & TRANSACTIONS Business Restructuring/Bankruptcy............................ 10 Corporate, Securities/Mergers & Acquisitions.......... 10 Finance & Banking...........................................................12 Government Relations....................................................13 Public Finance...................................................................13 Public & Regulatory Law................................................15 Real Estate Development & Investments...................16 Taxation, Employee Benefits & Private Business.......17 Wealth Preservation....................................................... 18 LITIGATION & DISPUTE RESOLUTION Appellate...........................................................................19 Commercial Litigation.....................................................19 Construction.................................................................... 20 Energy & Environmental Law........................................21 Intellectual Property...................................................... 23 Labor, Employment & Immigration............................. 24 Real Estate Litigation..................................................... 25 Tort & Insurance Litigation........................................... 25 Professional Excellence................................................................ 28 Diversity Committee Report.......................................................30 Community Relations & Pro Bono Report................................ 32 Leadership Winstead . ..................................................................34 New Attorneys & Newly-Elected Shareholders...................... 35 WINSTEAD PRACTICE GROUP LEADERS At Winstead, we help our clients solve their toughest business challenges. And that means focusing on a multitude of practice areas from business and transactions to litigation and dispute resolution. Led by a qualified team of attorneys and experienced professionals, each practice area delivers the perfect combination of practical knowledge and responsive service. Note: Listed practice group and department leaders reflect the firm’s roster as of 12/31/09. BUSINESS & TRANSACTIONS DEPARTMENT Business & Transactions Department Leader Edward A. Peterson 214.745.5642 epeterson@winstead.com Public & Regulatory Law Business Restructuring/Bankruptcy Public & Regulatory Law Phillip L. Lamberson Practice Group Leader 214.745.5180 plamberson@winstead.com Andrew Kever Practice Group Co-Leader 512.370.2845 akever@winstead.com Corporate, Securities/M&A Real Estate Development & Investments Mark G. Johnson Practice Group Leader 214.745.5600 mgjohnson@winstead.com Mike C. McWilliams Practice Group Leader 214.745.5631 mmcwilliams@winstead.com Finance & Banking Taxation, Employee Benefits & Private Business Michael W. Hilliard Practice Group Leader 214.745.5843 mhilliard@winstead.com Thomas R. Helfand Practice Group Leader 214.745.5342 thelfand@winstead.com Government Relations Wealth Preservation William LaForge Practice Group Leader 202.572.8016 wlaforge@winstead.com John F. Bergner Practice Group Leader 214.745.5289 jbergner@winstead.com Forrest C. Roan Practice Group Co-Leader 512.370.2999 froan@winstead.com Public Finance M. Paul Martin Practice Group Leader 210.277.6801 pmartin@winstead.com 6 Winstead serves a vast range of industries. The following represents just a few of our key industries that we serve: alternative energy, biotechnology, construction, energy & natural resources, environmental, financial services, government, healthcare, insurance, nanotechnology, real estate, sports business & public venues, technology, telecommunications and transportation. LITIGATION & DISPUTE RESOLUTION DEPARTMENT Litigation & Dispute Resolution Department Leader Jay J. Madrid 214.745.5709 jmadrid@winstead.com Intellectual Property Appellate Labor, Employment & Immigration Craig T. Enoch Practice Group Leader 512.370.2883 cenoch@winstead.com Thomas E. Reddin Practice Group Leader 214.745.5650 treddin@winstead.com Commercial Litigation Real Estate Litigation Wayne W. Bost Practice Group Leader 512.370.2859 wbost@winstead.com Brian Thompson Morris Practice Group Co-Leader bmorris@winstead.com 214.745.5714 Stanley R. Moore Practice Group Leader 214.745.5110 smoore@winstead.com Construction Stewart Whitehead Practice Group Leader 512.370.2854 swhitehead@winstead.com Energy & Environmental Law Thomas T. Hutcheson Practice Group Leader 713.650.2717 thutcheson@winstead.com Government Enforce. & Reg. Industries Lit. Linda J. Burgess Practice Group Leader 512.370.2881 lburgess@winstead.com 7 WINSTEAD INDUSTRY GROUP LEADERS Note: Listed industry group and client team leaders, and executive committee members reflect the firm’s roster as of 12/31/09. INDUSTRY GROUP LEADERS Alternative Energy Industry Nanotechnology Industry Andrew Kever Industry Group Leader 512.370.2845 direct akever@winstead.com Robert C. Shaddox Industry Group Leader 713.650.2764 rshaddox@winstead.com Biotechnology Industry Real Estate Industry Jeffrey R. Harder Industry Group Leader 281.681.5931 jharder@winstead.com T. Andrew Dow Industry Group Co-Leader 214.745.5387 adow@winstead.com Energy Industry Real Estate Industry Thomas T. Hutcheson Industry Group Leader 713.650.2717 thutcheson@winstead.com John M. Nolan Industry Group Co-Leader 214.745.5251 jnolan@winstead.com Financial Services Industry Sports Business & Public Venues Industry John P. Kincade Industry Group Co-Leader 214.745.5707 jkincade@winstead.com J. Kenneth Kopf Industry Group Leader 214.745.5315 kkopf@winstead.com Financial Services Industry Technology Industry Keith H. Mullen Industry Group Co-Leader 214.745.5839 kmullen@winstead.com Ross T. Robinson Industry Group Leader 214.745.5185 rrobinson@winstead.com Healthcare Industry Turnaround & Workout Industry T. Andrew Dow Industry Group Leader 214.745.5387 adow@winstead.com Jennifer D. Knapek Industry Group Co-Leader 214.745.5230 jknapek@winstead.com Insurance Industry Turnaround & Workout Industry Alex Gonzales Industry Group Leader 512.370.2887 agonzales@winstead.com J. Frasher Murphy Industry Group Co-Leader 214.745.5486 fmurphy@winstead.com 8 WINSTEAD EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE & MANAGING SHAREHOLDERS Denis Clive Braham Chairman and CEO 713.650.2743 dbraham@winstead.com Alex Gonzales Managing Shareholder-Austin 512.370.2887 agonzales@winstead.com Herb Albritton Executive Director 214.745.5770 halbritton@winstead.com Jeffrey A. Hage Managing Shareholder - Dallas 214.745.5347 jhage@winstead.com Michael F. Alessio Executive Committee Member 214.745.5144 malessio@winstead.com G. Thomas Boswell Managing Shareholder - Fort Worth 817.420.8210 tboswell@winstead.com David L. Dawson Executive Committee Member 512.370.2847 ddawson@winstead.com Thomas J. Forestier Managing Shareholder - Houston 713.650.2749 tforestier@winstead.com Roland Love Executive Committee Member 214.745.5198 rlove@winstead.com Jeffrey R. Harder Managing Shareholder - The Woodlands 281.681.5931 jharder@winstead.com Peyton N. Smith Executive Committee Member 512.370.2809 psmith@winstead.com Teresa Letson Schneider Deputy Managing Shareholder - Houston 713.650.2709 tschneider@winstead.com John M. Nolan Executive Committee Member 214.745.5251 jnolan@winstead.com M. Paul Martin Managing Shareholder - San Antonio 210.277.6801 pmartin@winstead.com Michelle I. Rieger Executive Committee Member 214.745.5416 mrieger@winstead.com William LaForge Managing Shareholder - Washington, D.C. 202.572.8016 wlaforge@winstead.com 9 WINNING FOR OUR CLIENTS services company as agent and lender in connection with Chapter 11 case of a Kentucky coal mining operation. The lenders are owed approximately $75 million. BUSINESS & TRANSACTIONS DEPARTMENT Represented a group of secured lenders with claims in excess of $100 million as part of $1.72 billion working capital facility and $665 million revolver facility to the SemGroup Companies and their affiliates that were involved in the gathering, transportation, storage, distribution, marketing and other midstream services of petroleum products. Business Restructuring/Bankruptcy Represented one of the largest financial institutions owned by a Texas-based company as agent and lender, in the largest Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing for a nonpublic company in Colorado history. Successfully negotiated a settlement between the lender group, the debtor, and the Creditors’ Committee, forming structure for debtor’s plan of reorganization. Represented owner of a Class A high rise condominium project in single asset real estate bankruptcy case involving efforts to restructure and reorganize approximately $60 million in debt and equity financing. Represented a large financial services company and a large Swiss bank as pre-petition lenders and exit financing lenders in the Wyoming Ethanol, LLC case pending in Cheyenne, Wyoming. This case was one of the largest bankruptcy cases ever filed in Wyoming. We successfully negotiated a plan of reorganization and exit financing arrangement on behalf of our clients. Represented a national mortgage default services industry participant in successful dismissal of putative class action lawsuit commenced in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas, alleging illegal fee splitting scheme and violations of bankruptcy stay and post-confirmation injunction. Represented a publicly traded bank and financial services company as agent and lender in connection with a national media and communications company. We assisted the bank with the restructure and amendment of a $400 million credit facility with approximately 140 lending entities to a media and publishing company with operations throughout the United States. The result reduced our client’s exposure by two-thirds. Represented a private investment firm and a leading global financial services company as the majority bondholders of ASARCO, LLC in connection with the company’s Chapter 11 case in Corpus Christi, Texas. ASARCO is one of the largest copper miners and refiners in the U.S. The majority bondholders, who are owed more than $400 million, were one of the primary suitors for the company, and we assisted them in filing and prosecuting a plan to gain control of the company. There are currently two plans presented for confirmation that will pay all creditors in full. Represented a publicly traded bank and financial services company as agent and lender, in the restructure of a credit agreement to a subsidiary of a company in Monterrey, Mexico whose main business is manufacturing and exporting to China. Practice Highlight - Welcome Michael P. Massad, Jr. In August 2009, Mike Massad joined our group as a shareholder. Mike brings more than 30 years of experience as a bankruptcy attorney to our group, and we are very excited to have him join us. Represented a publicly traded bank and financial services company as agent and lender in connection with loans totaling $360 million to a casino joint venture in North Las Vegas, Nevada. Corporate, Securities/Mergers & Acquisitions Represented a national bank in connection with sale of credit card receivables portfolio for approximately $300 million and sale of credit card servicing division for approximately $30 million. Represented a publicly traded bank and financial services company as agent and lender in connection with the Chapter 11 case of an offshore energy exploration and production company. The Chapter 11 case went from filing to plan confirmation hearing in 90 days. The lending syndicate was paid in full on the effective date. Served as general counsel to a major Texas city in connection with its $300 million 800-room convention center hotel. Represented a publicly traded bank and financial Represented a national hospitality company in 10 connection with the financing and structuring of the 1,000-room, $500 million Dallas convention center hotel. Represented a private issuer in its $20 million private placement of Series F Preferred Stock. Represented a major arena operating company in connection with $9 million equipment acquisition. Represented a large NYSE-listed casual dining and entertainment company in connection with a Rule 144A private offering of $295.5 million of senior secured notes. Represented a leading chemical distribution company in its $7.5 million acquisition of a Mexican chemical distribution business. Represented a National Football League team in connection with refinancing of $400 million outstanding senior notes. Represented a leading carbon blacks company in its acquisition of a major carbon nanotube manufacturing business. Assisted an energy services company in conducting a successful bondholder consent solicitation to amend $200 million senior secured notes and replacement of current revolving credit facility with a $20 million senior secured notes offering. Represented a privately held regional steel distribution company in $25 million sale of its business to a publicly held Canadian strategic buyer. Represented a privately held real estate holding company in connection with $3 million preferred equity capital infusion. Represented a public company in connection with proxy contest regarding election of directors and going private transaction. Represented a public pharmaceutical company in connection with the sale of a foreign manufacturing facility to a private company purchaser. Representing a real estate partnership in connection with $15 million private placement of limited partnership units and acquisition of 1,200 acres from public river authority. Represented a public pharmaceutical company in connection with the $95 million acquisition of a wholly-owned operating subsidiary of a pharmaceutical company. Representing a privately held company in $5 million preferred equity private placement for advisor and manager for multiple to-be-formed private investment funds. Represented a client in equity placement for purchase and rehabilitation of apartment projects. Represented a Bermuda reinsurance company in a Reg. D private placement of its securities to U.S. based investors. Represented client in connection with special shareholders meeting and private placement of shares to effect change of control. Representing a large land acquisition company in the formation of a private equity fund to invest in custom home builders active in Atlanta, Dallas, Houston and Phoenix. Represented a client in connection with two private placements of Series A Convertible Preferred Shares. Represented owners of an oilfield services company in connection with their sale of a majority interest in the company to a private equity fund. Represented a national investment bank in connection with a Rule 144A underwriting of $82 million in revenue bonds to finance the construction and operation of 1,500 family housing units at major U.S. Army bases. Represented seller in $20 million sale of oil and gas services partnership to venture capital fund. Represented two national investment banks in connection with the private placement of $82 million in senior debt obligations by the Army Air Force Exchange Service to finance the construction of a lifestyle center at a major U.S. Army base. Created $30 million fund for the acquisition of distressed real estate assets in Texas, New Mexico, California and Florida. Represented a Nasdaq-listed company in connection with successful proxy contest and with acquisition of assets of division of a publicly traded competitor. 11 Represented a bank holding company in connection with $40 million private placement of preferred stock. Seller representation of venture-backed technology firm in connection with asset sale to private equity firm. Represented private interests in the $22.5 million purchase of a 50% interest in the Houston Dynamo MLS soccer team. Assist with $40 million private placement and holding company restructure for Austin-based home building company. Representing a client in the formation of a $50 million real estate fund. Represent client in connection with Texas ETF financing. Representing a leading provider of distributed temperature sensing systems in general corporate, employment and related matters, including a $6 million Series C financing. Assisting with securities issues related to tender offer and restructure of debt offering. Representing a NYSE-listed company in connection with $250 million Rule 144A private placement of senior notes. Representing a leading provider of performance and security testing systems in corporate, licensing, employment and litigation matters, including a $15 million Series C financing. Representing an aerospace and defense supplier in connection with potential sale of business valued at approximately $300 million. Represented an acute care hospital and hospital management company in a series of refinancing and restructuring transactions. Finance & Banking Negotiation of significant clinical research agreements and clinical study agreements in connection with commencement of Phase 3 clinical trials for cancer research company. Also assisting with funding initiatives. Representation of the Administrative Agent in the complex restructuring and redocumentation of over $2 billion loan facility to a public borrower in the midstream pipeline industry. As part of the restructure, we represented the Agent in analyzing whether to consent to asset sales of approximately $5 million. Representing a leading national venture capital firm in several of their investments in portfolio companies in the life science industry, including $20 million PIPE transaction and $50 million merger. Representation of the Administrative Agent in complex amendments of $1 billion+ of loan facilities to a media and publishing company and to television broadcast companies. Representing a public Nasdaq biotech company in connection with takedown financings from an S-3 shelf registration statement and with its regulatory compliance issues and Nasdaq listing issues. Representation of Administrative Agent in connection with $700 million senior credit facilities to several borrowers in the telecommunications industry. Formation of a $10 million private equity fund and related private placement offering. Representation of the Administrative Agent in a $1 billion syndicated revolving credit facility secured by oil and gas properties located in 10 states, including attention to issues relating to certain limited recourse affiliates. Representing 1934 Act reporting company in connection with shell reverse merger transaction. Venture capital representation in connection with $3.5 million Series B financing of Austin-based Web venture. Restructure and redocumentation of two existing unsecured borrowing base revolving credit facilities totaling $435 million, led by different Administrative Agents, to a national single family home builder into a single secured line. Representing a client in connection with public-private joint venture for the development of 6,000 MW energy generation and transmission project. Assisting with related $40 million private placement offering and $500 million debt offering. Representation of the borrower in connection with $435 million syndicated, secured senior credit facility to finance construction of an NFL football stadium. 12 Representation of the Administrative Agent in $400 million syndicated credit facility secured by producing oil and gas properties located in Kentucky, Tennessee, New Mexico and Texas. meetings with corporate representatives and foundations, and assisted with raising $1 million for the center’s research. Advising a manufacturer of valves for fire hydrants in working with one of the largest metropolitan cities in the country to change more than 4,000 defective valves with minimum bureaucracy and media attention. Our team is working closely with a major public relations company to help meet with key decision makers at the city level. Restructure of more than $175 million in loans involving the preeminent mixed-used development in Dallas. The projects include a sports facility and entertainment venue, a premier hotel, Class A office buildings, high-rise condominium projects, mid-rise condominium projects, a music venue, and retail scattered throughout the entire mixed-use project. The deal involved admitting into ownership and management of a group of foreign investors (totaling over 1,800 in number), and working through the complex issues of separate ownership of different properties formerly owned and operated as an integrated mixed-use project, including matters involving parking allocation and usage, and zoning rights related thereto, mineral rights development and restrictions, helicopter landing rights to a rooftop landing pad, numerous separate condominium declarations and associations governing the various separate condominium regimes, and the overall operations of the entire project. Assisted an international construction company with entering the Texas market for contracting with the Texas Department of Transportation and other local municipalities for construction of major roadways, bridges, streets and other infrastructures. Assisted a local recycling company with identifying opportunities for increasing plastic recycling at the city level, including possible ordinances and policies. Arranged opportunities for key city officials to visit the client’s plant and installations in Houston, Texas. Public Finance Representation of the Administrative Agent in the restructuring and substantial amendment of three biofuels credit facilities aggregating $150 million, including provision for additional equity and subordinated debt facilities. Representing an underwriter in connection with the first $1 billion transaction involving new “Build America Bonds” for a regional transportation authority). Also $282 million (including Build America Bonds) for financing a hospital for a major Texas County. Lastly, $86.5 million for the financing of general governmental projects and the refinancing of variable debt rate for an Alaska borough. Engaged by a newly formed New York real estate investment trust to assist in establishing and monitoring a new commercial mortgage loan origination platform, including creating agreements with third-parties to handle underwriting, origination and servicing. Representing a major Texas city as bond counsel in the issuance of $15.3 million in tax notes, $75 million in general improvement bonds, and $85 million in certificates of obligation. Also, cleared some 200 accounts representing remaining amounts from previous debt issuances by issuing $30.1 million tax notes. In addition, created a new local government corporation to redevelop the central park area. Government Relations Assisted a large food service company with its request to the local city council in regards to constructing a recycling center next to their plant facilities. The local city council agreed with our client and the Solid Waste Department was requested to drop the site and look for another location. Continuing many years of representation of a major state agency, assisted in legislative authority for funding catastrophe claims for the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association and selected as bond counsel for structuring three classes of public securities (including commercial paper) which could total $2.5 billion per year. Advised a national urban air research center in collaborating with key city officials and local stakeholders to help the community become more familiar with the center’s research work. The Government Relations Practice Group worked in conjunction with Winstead’s Austin office to arrange 13 Representing a national investment bank in connection with the issuance of $82 million in revenue bonds to finance the construction and operation of 1,500 family housing units at Fort Huachuca and Yuma Proving Ground, Arizona, for the United States Army. Also representing two national investment banks in connection with the issuance of $82 million in senior debt obligations by the Army Air Force Exchange Service to finance the construction of a lifestyle center at Fort Bliss, Texas. Representing an underwriter in the issuance of $85 million in unlimited tax school building bonds for the Conroe Independent School District. Representing an underwriter in the issuance of $400 million in airport system senior lien revenue and refunding bonds for the City of Houston. Representing an underwriter in the issuance of $169 million in unlimited tax school building bonds for the Corpus Christi Independent School District. Represented a national hospitality company in connection with the financing and structuring of a 1,000-room, $500 million Dallas convention hotel. Representing an underwriter in the issuance of $7.9 million in contract revenue bonds for the Development Authority of Pearland. Representing an Alaska Borough as bond counsel in the issuance of $244.2 million in lease revenue bonds for the financing of new correctional facilities. Also, assisting in the negotiation of a construction management agreement and a lease-purchase agreement with the State of Alaska. Representing a Texas city as bond counsel in the issuance of $2.4 million in limited tax bonds and $6.8 million in limited tax refunding bonds. Representing a Texas city as bond counsel in the issuance of $1.8 million in general obligation refunding bonds and $4.4 million in certificates of obligation. Continuing many years of representation of a major Texas county by assisting in drafting legislation concerning hotel occupancy tax and as bond counsel for issuance of $13 million in debt for an exposition center. Representing a special improvement district as disclosure counsel and served as underwriter’s counsel for the issuance of the district’s first public bond offering, $22.5 million in limited ad valorem tax utility system bonds. The funds will be used to reimburse the developer for costs related to construction of public improvements, facilitating a major 1,000-room resort hotel and two PGA Championship golf courses in San Antonio. Representing an underwriter in the issuance of $9.9 million in unlimited tax road bonds, $49.5 million in pass through revenue and limited tax bonds, and $7.9 million in combination tax and revenue certificates of obligation for major road construction projects. Serving as general counsel to the governmental entity that owns a $300 million, 800-room convention center hotel in Austin. Representing a college district as bond counsel in the issuance of $4 million in limited tax bonds and $3.2 million in maintenance tax notes. Also served as special counsel in response to an Internal Revenue Service tax inquiry. Representing an underwriter in the issuance of $149.2 million in first tier revenue refunding put bonds for the Texas Transportation Commission Central Texas Turnpike System. Representing the bond insurer in the issuance of approximately $260 million in pilot revenue bonds for Yankee Stadium. Continuing many years of representation of a major metropolitan water district by assisting in legislative efforts to save the district; extended letter of credit for commercial paper program; and issuing $90 million in refunding bonds. In collaboration with many other lawyers in the firm, representing a major airline in renovation of Love Field Airport. Continuing many years of representation of a major state agency by replacing the credit provider in variable rate transactions. 14 Organized and obtained all state regulatory approvals required for creation of a minority-owned life, accident and health insurance company. Public & Regulatory Law The Public & Regulatory Law Practice Group primarily focuses on the Department of Insurance, the Banking Department and other Finance Commission constituencies, the Public Utility Commission of Texas, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and the Railroad Commission. The following are some notable matters handled over the past year: Led interdisciplinary team in representation of Swiss company in evaluation of Texas as location for a major clean energy manufacturing facility. In another interdisciplinary venture, the Public & Regulatory Law Practice Group continues to assist in the redevelopment of a major Texas airport This multi-year project calls upon many areas of the firm’s expertise, including real estate, public finance and environmental law. Negotiated a multimillion dollar settlement for a reinsurer of major pre-need insurer in receivership. Provided regulatory and litigation counsel to the nation’s largest Pharmacy Benefits Manager. Participated in multiple rulemaking proceedings at various agencies on behalf of clients, including 10 such proceedings for one client before the PUCT. Served as insurance/class action expert in several national class actions involving the sale of annuities and the payment of claims under homeowners’ policies. Successfully represented the state’s largest electric generator in a highly contested appeal of the 2009 Congestion Zones approved by the ERCOT Board of Directors. At stake was a very significant potential shift in transmission costs to our client. Following a hearing before the three PUCT Commissioners, the Commissioners voted to uphold the ERCOT Board’s 2009 Congestion Zone Determination and denying the attempt to shift new costs to our client. Provided ethics counsel to clients on a number of issues before several agencies, including the Texas Ethics Commission. Our practice group members represented numerous clients in compliance and enforcement matters involving the PUCT, Insurance Department, Banking Department, Office of Consumer Credit Commissioner, and the Attorney General. Representing one of the nation’s largest multistate electric utilities, the Public & Regulatory Law Practice Group successfully advocated for an administrative rule involving disposal of low-level radioactive waste that provides our client with the new right to a separate evidentiary contested case hearing, if the client is unsatisfied with an initial agency determination in a ratemaking proceeding. Also co-counsel in the related rate case, as well as proceedings to develop the policies being adopted by the Texas-Vermont Low-Level Radioactive Waste Disposal Compact Commission. Assisted in negotiation of settlement between a major health insurer and a hospital over out-of-network claims. Successfully represented a major, national title insurer and its multiple subsidiaries in a series of hearings before the Commissioner of Insurance dealing with rates, rules and several special issues. The Public & Regulatory Law Practice Group has represented the nation’s leading developer of compressed natural gas fueling infrastructure in connection with initiatives by the State of Texas, as well as certain transit authorities and large cities, to demonstrate the positive benefits from the use of CNG technology in fleets of vehicles. Represented a number of life as well as property and casualty insurers in individual regulatory approval matters involving forms, holding company transactions, rate and financial filings, and investment issues. Represented a title insurer and its subsidiary in an enforcement proceeding at the State Office of Administrative Hearings in which the Hearings Officer granted our motion to dismiss a case hotly contested by the staff of the Department of Insurance, resulting in a complete win for our clients. The Public & Regulatory Law Practice Group coordinated with an ad hoc coalition to pass state legislation requiring 50% of the State of Texas vehicle fleet to utilize alternative fuels, including natural gas, and to pass legislation that provides $48 million in grant funding over 8 years at current funding levels for 15 alternative fuel projects for private fleet vehicles. The group continues to assist with implementation by state agencies, including a rulemaking project at TCEQ. Advising a major real estate developer in connection with negotiation of agreements with the City of Dallas, Texas, facilitating development of a future mixed-use development (including high-rise office, condominium and retail) in the Central Business District. The Electric Industry Team has represented the state’s largest electric power generation company, which also is the state’s largest purchaser of wind generated electricity, in the PUCT’s ongoing implementation of almost $5 billion in new electric transmission facilities construction to bring more than 18,000 MW of new wind generation, securing Texas’ role as the national leader in development of wind energy. Representing a major real estate developer in negotiating a new corporate headquarters lease with a tenant for space in an office project in Frisco, Texas, together with negotiating and documenting (among other projects) renewals and expansions of two other corporate headquarters leases in the same office project. Real Estate Development & Investments Assisting a major real estate firm in connection with the acquisition of property for a large mixed-use development in the Central Business District of Dallas, Texas, together with assisting in other work relating to development of such project. Ongoing representation of a large New York Stock Exchange shopping center developer and real estate investment trust in the formation of a joint venture with German investors to acquire multiple shopping centers in two states (which are currently owned by the client and to be contributed to the joint venture), including negotiation and preparation of a transfer and contribution agreement, limited partnership agreement, related entity formation documentation and conveyance documentation. Advising the owner of an office tower in the Central Business District of Dallas, Texas in connection with shared parking arrangements with an adjoining office tower. Representing a major bank in connection with the acquisition and development of various new bank branch sites in North Texas. Legal counsel to one of the nation’s largest wireless communications service providers in the expansion, management and maintenance of its wireless network infrastructure in Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas. This representation involved approximately 400 distinct real estate transactions, including land purchase acquisitions, leases for new communication facilities, communication facility lease amendments necessary for the deployment of wireless technology advances, and communication facility subleases to other wireless service providers. Engaged by a major bank in connection with the acquisition and development of various new bank branch sites in Austin, Houston and North Texas. Legal counsel to a major financial services firm in connection with the negotiation of a lease for the renewal, extension and expansion of its corporate headquarters lease in Dallas, Texas. Representing a growing restaurant chain in connection with acquisition of sites for new restaurants in its chain in Fort Worth and Frisco, Texas. Serving as general counsel to the land assemblage and redevelopment authority of a major metropolitan city acquiring tax delinquent land and subsequent disposition thereof for affordable housing. Represented the Housing Authority of a large metropolitan county in connection with the acquisition and development of a first of its kind mixed-use development directed toward veterans. Representation of a top university in connection with the leasing and development of a major research facility in Houston, Texas. 16 Represent several publicly traded royalty trusts on tax matters. Taxation, Employee Benefits & Private Business Designed and implemented margin tax savings strategies for oil and gas exploration and production companies. Assisted executives of a privately held company with avoiding more than $20 million in tax penalties for parachute payments made in connection with an acquisition of the company. Ongoing representation of a continuing care retirement community as corporate counsel for the planning of the project and assisted underwriter and bond counsel in successfully closing a $166 million tax exempt bond financing to fund the project. Assisted several publicly and privately held companies amend and restate their deferred compensation plans to comply with Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code. Represented owner of luxury automobile dealerships with a restructure of the organization. Assisted in strategy and implementation of transitioning employee benefit plans for the $600 million acquisition of a public company by a client. Advised numerous clients in tax controversy and litigation matters, including a victory in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims for the CEO of a major client. Assisted a major airline with the negotiation of collectively bargained retiree benefits. Published a significant article in the Journal of Taxation, a national tax publication. Advised a Catholic Archdiocese with respect to the structure and fiduciary obligations of the Board of Trustees appointed under the retirement plan. Served as legal counsel to China-based NYSE company in tax planning for U.S. operations. Assisted a major hospital group with IRS filings to correct operational deficiencies under qualified retirement plans. Represented a foreign corporation in connection with private equity investment and structuring of U.S. operations. Assisted a major bank group with tax compliance for executive equity and long-term incentive plans. Represented numerous foreign investors in structuring their U.S. real estate ownership. Assisted an international conglomerate with the employee benefits aspects related to the disposition of domestic subsidiaries. Tax planning for restructure of a major medical group. Delivered tax opinions for multiple clients relating to the debt versus equity issue. Represented a $400 million Land Fund in connection with its joint venture structures for large tract acquisitions in the South and Southwest. Represented a real estate company in its formation of two new funds. Advised various exempt organizations with respect to the Form 990 issues, USBI reporting and director responsibility. Represented a company in its acquisition and operation of an investment bank. Advised accounting firms with respect to voluntary disclosure of foreign bank accounts. Represented a real estate/financial investment group in connection with finance and joint ventures for development of town square. Assisted owners of a restaurant chain LLC in implementing a broad-based equity incentive plan in connection with reorganization. Provided tax planning and lead representation for onshore oil and gas exploration group. Provided tax planning and structuring for acquisition of private jet in sales tax efficient manner for several privately held businesses. 17 Assisted owners of insurance agency LLC in implementing a broad-based equity incentive plan in connection with reorganization. opportunities to build overall family net worth laterally, rather than solely in the senior family member’s generation. Although tax planning is an important element of estate planning, we believe it must be coupled with the client’s personal objectives in building, maintaining and transferring wealth. In initial meetings with our clients, we strive to understand their goals, as well as their families, assets, liabilities and overall wealth preservation and transfer goals. Only then do we recommend and assist in implementing objective and innovative solutions and strategies to help our clients achieve and enhance their goals. Assisted utilities company in drafting stock plan administration procedures. Advised physician group on restructuring benefit programs in connection with reorganization. Negotiated and closed partial sale and long-term $100 million plus development program for oil and gas interests. Our attorneys’ expertise extends not only to the planning stages of a client’s life, but also to the administration, distribution, funding, tax reporting, beneficial interests and rights, and fiduciary responsibilities involving trusts and estates. Designed and implemented rolling employee deferred compensation plan for independent oil and gas company. Reorganized a large privately held independent oil and gas company to virtually eliminate Texas franchise taxes. Winstead’s Wealth Preservation attorneys are highly qualified and offer the finest, yet discreet, counsel to our clients. Several of our attorneys are board-certified in estate planning by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. In addition, our group includes members of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel. And all of our Wealth Preservation attorneys belong to one or more of the estate planning, probate and transfer tax sections of the American Bar Association, State Bar of Texas, or the Austin, Dallas or Houston Bar associations. In fact, many of our attorneys hold leadership positions within these groups and are also frequent speakers on a wide range of topics relating to their practices, including local, statewide and national engagements, as well as presenting tax-related issues and comments at IRS tax forums and to the U.S. Department of Treasury. Handled significant Texas sales tax audits for major Texas sports teams. Secured significant ad valorem tax exemptions for properties held by entities controlled by major Texas university. Wealth Preservation Winstead’s Wealth Preservation Practice Group is focused on providing sophisticated, innovative and objective legal services for all aspects of our clients’ wealth preservation and transfer. We understand that every client, family, trust and estate is unique, and our attorneys customize their planning to meet each individual client’s needs. To accomplish this goal, we work together as a team, drawing from our collective years of experience to help find the most efficient, cost-beneficial solutions for our clients. We focus on tax-sensitive estate planning, estate administration, trust administration, and family wealth transfer for business executives, professionals, closely held business owners, and other high-net-worth individuals and their families. Our wealth preservation attorneys work closely with our colleagues from several other areas of the firm, including income tax, corporate, real estate, and employee benefits to handle all facets of our clients’ needs, from typical transfer tax issues to the most sophisticated wealth transfer techniques. Our attorneys work extensively in tax-efficient planning for transfers of business interests and family investments, as well as in structuring the ownership of new businesses and investment 18 LITIGATION & DISPUTE RESOLUTION DEPARTMENT jurisdiction over several consolidated cases that were removed from Louisiana state court to federal court, but the district court denied the plaintiffs’ motions to remand. The cases were tried to verdict in federal district court in four simultaneous jury trials in front of separate juries for four “bellweather” plaintiffs. Winstead’s client won. And the judgments were affirmed on appeal. Appellate Appellate Winstead successfully convinced the Texas Supreme Court that the common law elements of a partnership were not significantly changed under the Texas Revised Partnership Act. A multimillion dollar jury verdict against Winstead’s client was reversed. A major banking client asked Winstead to assist in its defense against a multistate attorney general investigation into interchange fees and charges by VISA and MasterCard. Winstead’s work resulted in the Texas A.G. considering favorably the client’s request for an informal presentation about the issues before the A.G. makes his decision about any enforcement action. The purchaser of a real estate development, where Winstead’s home builder client was building homes, obtained a trial court order compelling our client to turn over four computers to the purchaser’s consultant for forensic review. Winstead successfully petitioned the Texas Supreme Court for relief from the trial court’s order. The case has quickly become the seminal Texas case on the limits of electronic discovery. Commercial Litigation Defended a national rent-to-own operator in consumer class actions filed in federal courts in West Virginia and Massachusetts involving questions of first impression under state rental and retail installment sales laws. An insurance brokerage company’s multimillion dollar arbitration award was vacated by a Texas trial court. Winstead was hired for the appeal. The legal principle in question on appeal was which tribunal decides objections to arbitrator appointments. Winstead successfully convinced the appellate court that the question in first instance must be presented to the arbitration supervising body and the trial court’s order was reversed. Defended an international natural gas supplier in litigation over claims arising out of natural gas purchase and sale pricing issues. The engagement involved five state class actions in Arkansas state court. The five cases were dismissed after two appeals and favorable decisions by the Arkansas Supreme Court. A plaintiff filed eleven different state lawsuits for various coverage claims arising from one transaction to prevent Winstead’s client from removing the matters to federal court. The client’s effort to consolidate the case in the state court was denied. Winstead successfully convinced a Texas appellate court to quickly review and reverse the trial court’s denial, which resulted in the case being successfully removed to federal court. The court of appeals opinion appears to be the first appellate decision in Texas jurisprudence that required a trial court to consolidate cases. Represented a national home builder in litigation resulting in the first and only opinion from the Texas Supreme Court discussing the obligations of a party with regard to electronic discovery. In granting our client’s petition for mandamus, a unanimous court set forth detailed standards governing electronic discovery within Texas. Represented a global financial services company in a trespass-to-try title case arising from a judicial foreclosure on real property and a subsequent sheriff’s sale. The case involved complex lien priority and equitable subrogation questions under Texas law. Winstead’s litigation team obtained a summary judgment for our client that was affirmed on appeal. Winstead’s global energy client was subjected to an attempt by plaintiffs to certify a personal injury and property damage class in the Louisiana state court. Winstead successfully defended its client, both in the trial court and the court of appeals. Served as legal counsel to one of the largest financial services companies in the United States in a case arising from a foreclosure sale on real property conducted to satisfy a homeowners association’s assessment lien. The case determined the interests of Winstead represented a global energy company in an appeal that involved removal and remand issues associated with improper joinder questions. The plaintiffs challenged the district court’s subject matter 19 our client’s vendor’s lien interests in real property. The client’s interests were determined to be superior to the interest of the purchaser at a foreclosure sale, based on constructive notice to the purchaser of the client’s unrecorded property interests. Construction Representing a publicly traded real estate investment trust (REIT) headquartered in Houston. The investment company currently builds and operates shopping centers and office buildings in more than 12 states, including Texas. Winstead serves as the chief counsel for construction for all projects nationwide and is responsible for the preparation of all construction related forms and drafting and negotiating most design and construction contracts. Since June 2008, Winstead’s construction team has drafted and negotiated over 90 design and construction contracts for the company. The firm is also handling a number of litigation matters for involving landlord/tenant disputes. Represented a trust in complex litigation involving real estate transactions and fiduciary duties. After summary judgment was entered for the trust in the trial court, the Dallas Court of Appeals affirmed the trial court’s decision that the trust had the right to keep the earnest money, sell certain real property to a third party and obtain an award of attorneys’ fees and litigation costs. Represented a resort developer in two parallel lawsuits, one of which is a class action in the Northern District of Texas, pertaining to the food and beverage credit program at a resort and subdivision in Whitney, Texas. Representing a Dallas-based national airline in large, highly complex, public/private transaction involving modernization of Dallas Love Field Airport in cooperation with the City of Dallas. Matter involves real estate, public finance and construction of renovations to terminal concourse and related airport facilities, including drafting and negotiating numerous design and construction contracts and purchase agreements. Represented an international oil and gas firm in its dispute resolution and collection activities. The oil and gas firm provides consulting, engineering and environmental services. Represented a North American affiliate of a publicly traded French company in multiple product liability cases. Presented a training program to the company’s management and sales personnel to limit exposure to liability through negotiation of more favorable contract provisions. Advising a leading fabricator for the oil and gas industry in a breach of contract for construction of semi submersible floating production unit for use in offshore hydrocarbon production. Client seeks recovery of actual damages of $27 million plus interest and attorneys fees. Advised the nation’s largest distributor of trading cards in the resolution of a trademark and copyright infringement suit with two large companies. Representing an energy company as EPC Contractor for 2 ethanol refineries in Nebraska and Indiana in connection with claims for payment; the negotiation of complex suspension agreements and related change orders; the filing of mechanics liens on and the termination of contracts, each with a value of approximately $230 million and each in the 70-80% completion range, all arising from non-payment by the owner, which subsequently filed for bankruptcy protection. We are not handling the bankruptcy case, but expect to remain involved in the event of state or federal court action to foreclose the mechanics liens and/or to collect payment of the debts. Represented one of the world’s largest casing pipe manufacturers in a multimillion dollar products liability action. Assisted a global alternative energy company in the arbitration of disputes arising from a steam turbine generator project in Texas City, Texas. Represented a well-known Texas ranching family in their claims against a natural gas operator for substantial environmental injuries and intentional exposure to radiation. The case will be arbitrated in Harris County. Representing a major Texas university in a construction defect/design defect suit over a $35 million student services/classroom building. Assisting a general contractor in workout arising from owner financing issues arising from $350 million (plus) contract for the construction of a major hospital. Additional work for client included drafting and 20 negotiating: construction contract for 4-story, 197, sq. ft. expansion for Natural Science Museum; downtown, high-rise hotel ($34.5 million in construction costs); and design-build contract for medical device manufacturing facility. Representing a joint venture as EPC Contractor for a $1 billion, 669MW pulverized coal power project under construction in Arkansas in: (1) claims arising from the defective design and construction of a 460 foot-tall reinforced concrete chimney against the subcontractor furnishing the design and construction of the chimney and that subcontractor’s performance bond surety. Client claimed damages in excess of $10 million and faced project delays and exposure to liquidated damages substantially in excess of the $10 million, if a resolution of the chimney defects was not quickly reached and agreed upon with the owner. These claims were settled on a confidential basis favorable to the client; and (2) claims against the project owner for force majeure arising from weather delays to the critical path of construction in excess of $10 million. This claim is ongoing. Representing a major regional hospital in drafting and negotiating Construction Manager at Risk contract for construction of a new hospital campus that will include construction of a new 862-bed hospital, outpatient center and related improvements. Representing an integrated engineering, construction and technical services organization in a variety of litigation matters in Texas. Specifically, representing the client in litigation against a surveying and mapping company in a dispute regarding subsurface utility engineering (SUE) services for the Spur 601 Project in El Paso, Texas. Also defending the client in a negligence suit filed by property owners who have experienced flooding following the design and construction of U.S. Hwy. 183A in Austin, Texas. Energy & Environmental Law Legislative Matters Advised an integrated energy company engaged primarily in electric power production and retail distribution operations Successfully advocated for an administrative rule that provides our client with the right to trigger an evidentiary contested case hearing, if the client is not satisfied with an initial agency determination in a ratemaking proceeding, which will give our client leverage in negotiations regarding rates for disposal of low-level radioactive waste. Also assisting in other work in the related rate case, as well as the policies being adopted by the Texas-Vermont Low-Level Radioactive Waste Disposal Compact Commission. Winstead serves as chief legal counsel to a trade association representing the general contracting industry in Texas on various legislative related issues, including negotiations and drafting proposed legislation regulating the use of “broad-form” indemnity clauses in construction contracts and licensing/registration requirements for contractors for projects in Texas. Most recent Legislative Session ended in May, 2009. Advising a major regional pediatric health care system in connection with drafting and negotiating design and construction contracts for $250 million expansion of medical center complex. Assisted a leading provider of natural gas for transportation in North America. Coordinated with an ad hoc coalition to pass legislation that requires 50% of the State of Texas’ vehicle fleet to utilize alternative fuels, including natural gas, and to pass legislation that provides $48 million in grant funding over 8 years at current funding levels for alternative fuel projects for private fleet vehicles. The legislation is currently being implemented by state agencies, including a rulemaking project at the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. Providing legal counsel to a subsidiary of public housing authority as general partner in project owner limited partnership in disputes with the general contractor and developer of a “tax credit” public-private partnership structured housing development for low income senior citizens with a total project cost of approximately $13 million. Drafting a $300 million (plus) Construction Manager at Risk contract for construction of municipal water treatment facility for a major metropolitan city and its Water Utility Department. Monitored and influenced legislation pending in the Texas Legislature that could affect the natural gas industry on behalf of a natural gas pipeline company and a natural gas exploration and production company. Serving as legal counsel to an owner/developer in a lawsuit involving property damage arising from structural failures at a $3.5 million golf clubhouse and restaurant in a private subdivision outside of Fort Worth, Texas. 21 Assisted a large industry association with drafting and providing background support for legislation relating to regulation of rock quarries. Litigation Matters Advise a chemical manufacturing company in a dispute regarding responsibility for hazardous substances at a chemical plant. Representing a coalition of companies to convince the state environmental agency to revise its rules in a manner and in a time frame that coalition members desire, and to fend off challenges by other members of the regulated community. Representing the second largest U.S. energy company in cost recovery action in a state Superfund matter involving over 1200 parties. Administrative Matters Assisting one of the world’s leading energy companies and a large waste management company with responding to a Unilateral Order enforcement action from USEPA. Representing a client in developing a residential subdivision expected to include nearly 1,000 homes in a contested matter pending at the State Office of Administrative Hearings involving a wastewater treatment plant application. Representing a trust in a lawsuit seeking damages against a major production company for failure to pay royalty on natural gas liquids and residue gas, which are being bartered to treatment facility in exchange for the removal and return of CO2 to the unit for reinjection in connection with enhanced oil production operations. Advised a client in a contested application involving a contested wastewater treatment plant permit filed with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, which was successfully settled after extended negotiations with the parties involved. Defending a petroleum consulting firm and one of its officers in a case filed by a bankruptcy trustee, alleging breach of fiduciary duty, fraudulent transfers, preferential payments and money received. Assisted one of the largest electric utilities companies in the United States with complex air quality permitting issues at a state environmental agency. The issues are being monitored by environmental groups and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Representing a Tarrant County landowner in hydrocarbon pipeline condemnation suit filed by a common carrier under eminent domain law. Legal counsel to a leading supplier of cement, aggregate and consumer product building materials. Represented client in a hotly contested renewal of air permit under the Texas Clean Air Act, including responses to contested case hearing requests and motions for rehearing. Serving as legal counsel to mineral interest owners in a lawsuit for nonpayment of oil and gas royalties against lessees who claim that production on the leased premises by a separate entity does not trigger duty to pay royalty under the applicable lease. Regulatory Matters Representing a major land and petroleum exploration company in lawsuit challenging the validity of liens filed against Winstead’s client’s mineral interests by oilfield supply companies in various West Texas properties. Representing a client in the transfer of a Certificate of Convenience and Necessity for a public water system that is pending at the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. Represented a food manufacturer in a contested application for a Prevention of Significant Deterioration air permit that was successfully settled in alternative dispute resolution prior to a hearing on the merits. Defending a leading energy company in numerous litigation matters, including one breach of trade secret case; defective design and construction of steam turbine generator case; and an East Texas case seeking surface damages. Engaged by a seller in a real estate transaction involving contaminated property in which both the seller and the buyer obtained an Innocent Owner/ Operator Certificate from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. Served as legal counsel to a mineral exploration company. Won a major jury trial in Refugio County. Currently defending the appeal from directed verdict in client’s favor. 22 and prosecuting patent applications for a wide range of technologies, such as computers, software, nanotechnology, semiconductor processing and electrochemical applications. Transactional Matters Representing a one of the world’s leading energy companies in a pipeline sale in Texas. Advising a worldwide information technology company in protecting their intellectual property, including preparing and prosecuting patent applications for a wide range of technologies, including computers, software, communications, electronics, circuits and e-commerce. Labor & Employment Matters Assisted an independent crude oil and natural gas exploration and production company in the dissolution of its pension and health benefit plans. Energy Lending Matters Representing a Houston architectural firm in a copyright infringement case against several defendants who have misappropriated the client’s architectural designs for Speedy Stop gas stations. Advise client with environmental aspects of multimillion dollar re-financing of electric generating plant, including negotiating the environmental provisions in the re-financing documents and providing an opinion regarding plant’s compliance with environmental permitting requirements. Currently a leading telecommunications company in its entry into the medical device arena by conducting a comprehensive review of the relevant regulations applicable to medical device installers promulgated by all fifty states and the FDA. Intellectual Property Represented a manufacturer of oil field drill bits as a defendant in patent litigation in the Eastern District of Texas, Tyler. Companion litigation was against defendants Halliburton and Baker Hughes. Plaintiffs asserted 12 patents, several hundred claims, covering treated diamond coated inserts for oil field drill bits. The case settled in September, a few weeks prior to trial on terms that our clients were especially pleased with relative to results achieved by other defendants. Successfully represented the plaintiff in a trademark infringement matter. The case terminated with the defendant changing its name. Represented a plaintiff in a patent infringement matter. The case terminated in a successful settlement. Successfully represented the defendant on their mark “Drill Tech.” The case terminated with our client’s mark issuing. Assisted in a massive patent filing project that will result in major patent prosecution over the next two years. The client is filing 300+ national phase patent applications in the U.S. Patent Office prior to March 2010. The applications are directed to the stateof-the-art peptide drugs that have been implicated in the treatment of disease conditions such as HIV, angiogenesis and apoptosis. Serving as legal counsel to a leading provider of globalinfrastructure solutions in technology, information services and staffing acquisition in strategically procuring patent protection covering important proprietary technologies. Managing a large intellectual property identification and due diligence effort for an international data protection solution provider. Assisting new CEO in extensive contract review and license negotiations involving other practice groups in the firm. Currently assisting client in obtaining worldwide patent protection for its designer dairy beverages and related processes. Successfully represented an oilfield service company in defending its patent in a reexamination proceeding instituted in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office by an oilfield service company that was sued for infringement of the client’s patent. Obtained patent protecting organization of two and three dimensional image data for Swiss-Swedish multinational corporation. The client is one of the largest engineering companies in the world operating primarily in the power and automation technology areas. Representing a large Texas university in protecting their intellectual property, including reviewing invention disclosures for licensing potential and preparing 23 Assisted a production company with research and documentation regarding alleged multi-country copyright infringement and in preparation of cease and desist letter for foreign counsel. for example, Baylor College of Medicine, St. Luke’s Episcopal Health System, and The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center) in evaluating and obtaining intellectual property and software licenses. Labor, Employment & Immigration Representing a Houston glass company against several defendants for copyright and trademark infringement case. After obtaining summary judgment for a large financial services company on a former employee’s claims for age, race and sex discrimination claims, successfully defended client in connection with plaintiff’s appeals to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals and United States Supreme Court. Representing a fiber reinforced polymer manufacturing company (defendants) in patent infringement case. Won case at distinct court level in summary judgment. Prevailed at Federal Circuit Court of Appeals as well. Case marked precedential. Winstead was retained by a national home improvement products retailer to assist in both the selection and training of its third party administrator (TPA). The new TPA will administer, on a national basis, all workers’ compensation, Texas nonsubscriber, customer, vendor and general liability claims and litigation for the company. Winstead has, in this past year alone, defended the company in 25 lawsuits, predominately on nonsubscriber-related claims, throughout Texas. In addition, our employment lawyers provide daily legal counsel to the new TPA and their contacts at the company on claims issues arising under their Texas Employee Accident Plan. Advising an owner and operator of a leading online insurance marketplace. Representing client as a defendant in a patent infringement suit involving customer lead generation, internet technology in the Eastern District of Texas. We also represented client as a plaintiff in a counter-patent infringement suit in the Southern District of California. The plaintiff in the Eastern District of Texas case recovered about $40 million against the last defendant it sued for infringement of their patent. Winstead helped facilitate a settlement that consisted of a cross-license to the patents-in-issue and our client not paying any damages or royalties. The general counsel for our client commented that this may have been his best experience working with a law firm, considering the result, the fees charged and how we appreciated and followed their budget and business goals. At the request of a fast-growing regional restaurant chain, prepared C-level Employment Agreement, Profit Interest and Capital Interest Agreements for executive team. Preparing patent applications covering innovations developed by a global provider of engineering services for chemical process technologies. Engaged by a prominent national restaurant group to defend various charges filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and other employment-related matters throughout the State of Texas. Representing a large public hospital in the selection, negotiation and engagement of the design and construction teams for a campus and facility replacement project estimated at $1.27 billion, particularly the information systems and technology agreements for the program controls manager. Winstead successfully resolved four employment lawsuits for this major grocery store chain, including securing summary judgment as to all of plaintiff’s claims in one proceeding. Advising an oilfield services company in drafting several patent applications and prosecuting patent applications before the patent office. Defended one of the country’s largest producers/ distributors of food and pet products in claims of age discrimination and retaliation filed by former officer of national produce company after performance-based termination. Obtained patents protecting core technologies of a global usenet service provider relating to Layer-4 switching technologies and a caching, clustering, and aggregating usenet server. Obtained permanent injunction enforcing non-competition agreement of construction company’s former sales and business development representative. Engaged by a non-profit corporation whose members are dedicated to improving indigent care (including, 24 Obtained favorable EEOC determination of charges alleging race discrimination against personnel services company. Weekley Homes challenged the trial court’s order based on the absence of any showing of good cause for the invasive computer search and any showing that Weekley’s computers would have any responsive information. The Texas Supreme Court granted the petition and held that the trial court abused its discretion in granting HFG’s motion. In a case of first impression in Texas, the Texas Supreme Court established a requirement that the party seeking the electronic discovery provide some showing of good cause, and the Court in its opinion set forth a summary of the proper procedures for seeking electronic discovery under Rule 196.4 of the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure. The case has received significant attention from litigation and appellate lawyers throughout the state. Real Estate Litigation The firm recently obtained a favorable opinion from the Dallas Court of Appeals on behalf of an owner/ seller in Transcontinental Realty Investors, Inc. v. The John T. Lupton Trust, 286 S.W.2d 635, (Tex. App.—Dallas 2009, no pet. h.) affirming the trial court’s summary judgment order on the purchaser’s breach of contract claims. The owner/seller argued that the purchaser lost its right to purchase based on the purchaser’s failure to comply with the requirements of an amendment to the contract. The purchaser claimed that the amendment was void and that an alleged oral preexisting extension agreement controlled. The Court of Appeals agreed with Winstead’s argument that the oral agreement was merged into the fourth amendment, and became unenforceable as a result of the purchaser’s breach of the fourth amendment, and the Court of Appeals affirmed the summary judgment. Winstead is defending a luxury home builder in an arbitration involving the interpretation of a rollback tax provision allocating rollback taxes triggered by the purchaser following the client’s sale of several tracts of property designated for the open lands exemption. Winstead recently tried a case before a Dallas jury regarding the propriety of hospitality credit program fees established by the developer and assessed by the property owner’s association. Winstead assisted property owners in connection with a dispute between the owners of a contiguous property and the City of Dallas. Our clients sought to enjoin the construction of a road and the destruction of trees on and near their property, and Winstead was successful in obtaining a temporary restraining order to prevent the contiguous owners and the City from cutting trees on the disputed property. Just prior to the temporary injunction hearing, the City filed a plea to the jurisdiction, which the trial court granted in part and denied in part. The City immediately filed a motion to appeal, which by statute stayed all proceedings in the trial court and precluded the trial court from moving forward with injunctive relief thereby permitting the City and the contiguous land owners to move forward. Winstead’s attorneys filed an emergency motion with the Dallas Court of Appeals seeking an emergency order to prohibit any action with respect to the property. Within one business day of the City’s filing its notice of appeal, Winstead successfully obtained an emergency order from the Court of Appeals staying all acts with respect to the property. This matter is still pending. Winstead defended a client in a partnership dispute that was tried to a jury involving, among other issues, the payment of real estate taxes. Tort & Insurance Litigation Representation of a nursing home group as lead counsel in more than 15 new lawsuits, including claims of wrongful death, nursing home negligence and employment disputes. Assisted a bank’s legal counsel with trying a case as a defendant, with a counterclaim for breach of guaranty agreement. After a two-week trial, the client won completely as both a defendant and as a plaintiff, securing a nearly $4 million judgment for the bank against the plaintiff/borrower. Won an appeal out of the El Paso Court of Appeals reversing and rendering a take-nothing judgment in favor of Winstead’s clients who were defendants in the case. After a three-week trial, the trial court had erroneously submitted issues to the jury resulting in a nearly $15 million judgment against our clients. Weekley Homes, LP, No. 08-0836, 2009 Tex. Lexis, 630 (Tex. August 28, 2009) - Winstead represented the largest privately-held home builder in America in a dispute with HFG Enclave Land Interest, Ltd. HFG obtained from the trial court an order granting access to four of Weekley Homes’ computer hard drives for inspection by HFG’s computer forensic specialist. 25 26 Professional Excellence Diversity Committee Report Community Relations & Pro Bono Report Leadership Winstead New Attorneys & Newly-Elected Shareholders 27 PROFESSIONAL EXCELLENCE Honors San Antonio Office Winstead’s San Antonio office expanded to the Bank of America Plaza located at 300 Convent Street, Suite 2700. The Best Lawyers in America 2009 Fifty-eight Winstead attorneys were selected through a peer-review survey of top attorneys in the country. Out of more than 1,400 law firms with attorneys listed in Best Lawyers, Winstead ranked: first in Texas in Insurance Law, Equipment Finance Law, Land Use & Zoning Law, Sports Law and Real Estate Law. Winstead launches new industry group Winstead announced the formation of a new real estate subgroup, the Leasing and Asset Management Industry Group. This newly formed team of attorneys is focused on helping businesses seeking to reduce their costs by downsizing facility space, adjusting rentals and/or modifying lease structures; whether landlord or tenant, and regardless of the type of property involved. Texas Monthly: Texas Super Lawyers 2009 Forty-three of the firm’s attorneys were selected as Texas Super Lawyers by Law & Politics magazine. The annual Texas Super Lawyers list honors Texas’ top lawyers based on surveys of more than 57,000 active attorneys across the state. The final list—only 5 percent of Texas’ licensed attorneys—is one of the most comprehensive and diverse listings of top lawyers in Texas. Joel Reese appointed to the Advisory Council of the Texas Tech Rawls College of Business. Greg Erwin and Greg Zimmerman named the new leadership team of Winstead Real Estate Development and Investments Practice Group. Erwin will serve as practice group leader and Zimmerman will serve as his deputy. Texas Monthly: Rising Stars Twenty-two Winstead attorneys were named Rising Stars. Only 2.5 percent of Texas attorneys receive this honor every year. Chambers USA: Leading Lawyers 2009 Fifteen Winstead attorneys from six different practice areas ranked among the top attorneys of their field in the United States. Winstead practice areas receiving the highest marks were: Real Estate, Banking & Finance, Environment, Construction, Tax and Insurance. Thomas Forestier named managing shareholder of Winstead’s Houston Office. D Magazine: Best Business Lawyers 2009 Fifteen Winstead attorneys were selected as Best Business Lawyers whose work is ranked among the best in their areas of practice. Roland Love received Texas Land Title Association’s Professional Excellence Award. Adam Darowski appointed by the Coppell City Council as a regular member of the Special Counsel of the City of Coppell. Joe Fonlon, Emily Herbster, and Carmen Ng graduated in the Houston Young Lawyers Association Leadership Academy Class of 2008-2009. Fort Worth, Texas Magazine Seven Winstead attorneys were selected as Tarrant County’s Top Lawyers. Derek Fletcher elected as a Fellow of the prestigious American College of Trust and Estate Counsel. 2009 Pro Bono Award Winstead recognized as the “Outstanding Clinic Sponsor” by the Dallas Bar Association. Winstead attorneys volunteered the most hours in 2009 at DVAP’s clinics compared to other firms involved in DVAP efforts. Dan Susie elected as a Fellow to the Texas Bar Foundation. Thomas E. Reddin named chair of Winstead’s Labor, Employment & Immigration Practice Group. 28 G. Thomas Boswell reappointed for a one-year term on the executive committee, compensation committee and quality committee for Cook Children’s Health System and Foundation. Tommy also reappointed to the executive committee and finance committee for the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History. Mike Cook has joined the board and executive committee of PeopleFund, an Austin organization engaged in community lending that creates jobs, provides safe and affordable homes, and promotes good economic policy decisions for communities. Elisabeth Wilson elected to serve as a director of the Dallas Hispanic Bar Association. Roland Love wins Texas Land Title Association’s Professional Excellence Award, which honors exceptional contributions and extraordinary achievement by those employees who exhibit outstanding customer service. Cheryl Camin selected as an ABA National Outstanding Young Lawyer Award Finalist. Ross Margraves was named to Governor Rick Perry’s Commission for Disaster Recovery and Renewal. David F. Johnson becomes certified in Civil Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. David is now certified in three areas: Civil Appellate Law, Civil Trial Law, and Personal Injury Trial Law. He is the youngest practicing attorney in Texas to have this triple certification. Barry Knight received inaugural Impact Award from the North Texas Housing Coalition. Paul Wageman and Dan Branch listed as 2009 Tech Titans, which recognizes technology, innovation and leadership in Dallas/Fort Worth. Tom Forestier appointed again to the steering committee for the Texas Minority Counsel Program, whose mission is to increase opportunities for minority and women attorneys who provide legal services to corporate and government clients. Cheryl Camin and Talmage Boston both received Presidential Citations from Dallas Bar Association (DBA) President Christina Melton Crain at the DBA’s annual meeting. Cheryl received the award for her significant role in coordinating a DBA Rule of Law seminar, the first and only one of its kind in Texas, while Boston was recognized for his work as chair of the State Bar of Texas’ annual meeting. Daniel Vineyard elected to the board of directors as vice president of The Woodlands Bar Association. Peyton Smith invited by the Advisory Board of the Litigation Counsel of America to serve as a Fellow in the Trial Lawyer Honorary Society. Chairman Emeritus Mike Baggett was named Dallas Regional Chamber Chair of the Board-Elect at the organization’s Annual Meeting. Mike served as a speaker at the annual meeting that brings together business community leaders to review the Chamber’s accomplishments and looks ahead to future initiatives. David Staas voted as one of Houston’s Top Professionals on the Fast Track. Kyle Watson selected president-elect of the Montgomery County Bar Association and will assume the position beginning 2010. The honors and recognition listed here are a representation of some of the firm’s accomplishments. Visit winstead.com for an expanded list of accomplishments. Denis Braham named one of 2009 Lawdragon’s “100 Managing Partners You Need to know.” 29 DIVERSITY COMMITTEE REPORT Winstead Juris Doctor Scholarship Diversity is an essential ingredient of Winstead’s culture and success. Our firm is strongly committed to the recruitment, retention, development and advancement of men and women of all backgrounds so that our workforce reflects the diversity of our clients and our communities. This commitment to diversity applies to our attorneys, staff and to the selection of our business partners and vendors. Winstead’s Diversity Committee leads efforts for the annual Winstead Juris Doctor Scholarship, a scholarship program aimed to enhance the recruitment of diverse candidates at Texas law schools. Through the scholarship program, Winstead awards three $20,000 scholarships annually to first-year, underrepresented, diverse law students at the following Texas law schools: The University of Texas School of Law, The University of Houston Law Center, and Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law. Winstead has refocused its efforts and resources to achieve meaningful increases in diversity within our firm. And although we are proud of our progress, we recognize that we must continue to set new goals and expand our efforts. We appreciate our attorneys who have contributed to the success of our diversity efforts. We look forward to continued success in the years to come. Organizations and Activities Because diversity requires not just ideas, but action and support, Winstead actively participated in and sponsored a number of key organizations and events, including the following: Through the efforts of Winstead’s Diversity Committee, we have systematically implemented activities to ensure the success of our diverse lawyers. These activities include monitoring case assignments for participation of diverse attorneys; skill strengthening and mentoring for all attorneys; introducing diverse attorneys to key clients for fostering lasting relationships; and revising the firm’s alternative work policy, mentoring program and assignment systems. -Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship -Anti-Defamation League Torch of Liberty Dinner -UT Chicano Hispanic Law Students Association -Texas Minority Corporate Counsel Program -Asian American Bar Association of Houston -National Bar Association Convention -Hispanic Bar Association of Austin -Hispanic Bar Association of Houston - President’s Day -Houston Association of Black Journalist Gala -Houston Diversity Council -The Real Estate Council Diversity Program -Thurgood Marshall Legal Society -Tomorrow’s Attorneys Pipeline Program -Southeastern Minority Job Fair -Sunbelt Minority Job Fair Listed below are a few noteworthy accomplishments for 2009. Women’s Alliance The Women’s Alliance was organized to address topics of interest to women at the firm, such as business development and leadership opportunities, retention rates and alternative work schedules. The Women’s Alliance continues to flourish as the firm’s female attorneys participate in firm-wide and local events that focus on issues affecting women in the legal profession. This year, the Women’s Alliance hosted a client fashion show benefiting Dress for Success Austin, an organization dedicated to promoting the economic independence of disadvantaged women. In Dallas, the Women’s Alliance also hosted a client dinner benefiting The Wilkinson Center, whose mission is to provide pathways to self-sufficiency for families living in poverty. The Women’s Alliance also served as a sponsor of DirectWomen, which promotes women leaders among boards of U.S. companies. 30 DIVERSITY COMMITTEE MEMBERS Winstead’s Diversity Committee identifies, develops and implements business opportunities for the recruitment, retention and promotion of minority attorneys and women attorneys at our firm. For example, Winstead’s Diversity Committee discovers and evaluates events such as conferences and other networking opportunities that promote its minority and women attorneys. The Diversity Committee also determines areas of improvement in the firm’s mentoring and inclusion of diverse attorneys. Thomas J. Forestier Teresa Schneider Herb Albritton Dominique Anderson Chair, Diversity Committee Chair, Women’s Alliance Executive Director Director of Recruitment Zeena Angadicheril Yasmin Islam Atasi Paige Ingram Castañeda Joseph Kilian B. Fonlon Keneisha M. Miller Carmen Ng Brooke J. Reynolds Patty Stewart Director of HR Alex S. Valdes Kirk R. Williams 31 COMMUNITY RELATIONS AND PRO BONO REPORT Committed to our Communities Winstead’s commitment to serving our communities dates back to the firm’s inception. We support our communities by providing pro bono legal assistance to low-income individuals and non-profit organizations, supporting charitable organizations, volunteering our time as board members and assisting with fundraising projects. Some of the organizations Winstead proudly supported in 2009 include: Academy of Medicine, Engineering and Science of Texas AEGON Foundation American Cancer Society American Diabetes Association American Heart Association American SIDS Institute Arthritis Foundation Asian American Forum, Inc. Attorneys Serving the Community Austin Children’s Museum Austin Museum of Art Avalon Place Property Owners’ Association Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Texas Boy Scouts of America Boys & Girls Clubs of the Capital Area British American Business Counsel - DFW Foundation Cancer Foundation Candlelighters Childhood Captain Hope’s Kids CASA Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston Children’s Justice Project Colorado River Foundation Contact Crisis Cook Children’s Health Care System Crystal Charity Ball Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Dallas Center for the Performing Arts Dallas Lutheran School Dallas Opera Dallas Regional Chamber Dallas Symphony Orchestra Dallas Tennis Association Dallas Texans Soccer Club Dallas Theater Center Dallas Zoological Society Dallas/Fort Worth Hospital Council DaVinci School DIAL - Developing Independent Adult Living Disabled American Veterans Dispute Resolution Services of Tarrant County, Inc. Downtown Dallas El Paso Symphony Orchestra Association Entrepreneur’s Foundation - Freedom Day Eugene Field Elementary School Family Eldercare First Tee of Dallas Forest Heights Neighborhood Development Corporation Fort Worth Museum of Science and History Foundation for Arlington Youth FUNED, Honduras Grace Church Frisco Greater Dallas Chamber Young Professionals Greater Dallas Council on Alcohol & Drug Abuse Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau Habitat for Humanity Harris County Healthcare Alliance Harris County Precinct One Helping Hand Home for Children Heritage Society of Austin Hidalgo Foundation of Bexar County Hill Country Conservancy Houston Golf Association Houston Grand Opera Houston International Seafarers’ Centers Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Houston SPCA Houston Super Bowl XLVI Bidding Committee 32 Houston Technology Center Interfaith of The Woodlands Jackie Robinson Foundation Jesuit College Preparatory School Young Alumni Association Jewish Community Center of Dallas Jewish Federation of Greater Houston Joe Sample Youth Organization, Inc. John H. Reagan Elementary School – Dallas Kardivas, Inc. Kids Who Care, Inc. KIPP, Inc. (Knowledge is Power Program) Pulmonary Hypertension Association Rainbow Days Ronald McDonald House SER Jobs For Progress South Montgomery County YMCA SPCA Special Olympics St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital State Fair of Texas Susan G. Komen for the Cure Texas Alcoholism Foundation Legal Aid of Northwest Texas Lone Star Girl Scout Council Lyric Opera of Austin Make-A-Wish Foundation March of Dimes Meals on Wheels and More Medina Valley ISD Education Foundation Muscular Dystrophy Association National Multiple Sclerosis Society Partners in Education- Travis Heights Elementary Paws for Patriots Post Oak Family YMCA Promise House, Inc. Texas Community Building with Attorney Resources The Helping Hand for Children The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society The Woodlands Arts Council TITAS Twilight Wish Foundation United Way of America VICTORY Board Volunteer Legal Service West Austin Youth Association Women Helping Women Woodlands Rotary Club YMCA The community and pro bono service listed here are a representation of some of the firm’s activities. Visit winstead.com for an expanded list of activities. 33 LEADERSHIP WINSTEAD Congratulations to the members of Leadership Winstead 2009. And special appreciation to the coordinating shareholders of Leadership Winstead 2009, Nancy Furney and James Ruiz. Leadership Winstead is a program designed to reward those associates in the firm who have demonstrated a high level of leadership, loyalty, and work ethic by (a) further developing in those associates the core values and history of Winstead; (b) exposing associates to the business side of the firm; (c) developing our associates’ leadership potential and skills; and (d) enhancing our associates’ overall experience with the firm. Senior shareholders assist by developing an agenda for interactive programs on various topics. The associate members and shareholder advisors meet formally once a month with more informal settings throughout the year. Nancy W. Furney Coordinating Shareholder James G. Ruiz Coordinating Shareholder Corby Brooks Jeanne Marie Caruselle Adam S. Darowski Matthew T. Ferris “Erik” Weiting Hsu Koy R. Killen Dana E. Lipp Daniel M. Martinez Kristina Fumiko Rollins William R. Rohrlich II Carolyn A. Rupprath Kristen L. Sherwin 34 NEW ATTORNEYS Elizabeth Chumney Breazeal – Of Counsel San Antonio, Real Estate Development & Investments Lloyd A. Lim – Associate Dallas, Business Restructuring/Bankruptcy Marcus D. Brown – Associate Dallas, Labor & Employment Michael P. Massad, Jr. – Shareholder Dallas, Business Restructuring/Bankruptcy Alisa C. Brownlow – Associate Houston, Finance & Banking D. Farr Nolen – Associate San Antonio, Real Estate Development & Investments Cheryl S. Camin – Shareholder Dallas, Corporate, Securities/Mergers & Acquisitions Frank Z. Ruttenberg – Shareholder San Antonio, Real Estate Development & Investments Benjamin G. Carter – Of Counsel Dallas, Wealth Preservation Michael P. Springer – Shareholder Houston, Finance & Banking Sean B. Davis – Associate Houston, Business Restructuring/Bankruptcy Douglas E. Stewart – Shareholder Houston, Finance & Banking Jennifer Tjia Foringer – Associate Austin, Energy & Environmental Law Justin B. Whitley – Associate Houston, Commercial Litigation Linda M. Glover – Shareholder Houston, Commercial Litigation Elisabeth A. Wilson – Associate Dallas, Business Restructuring/Bankruptcy Lekha Gopalakrishnan – Shareholder Dallas, Intellectual Property NEWLY-ELECTED SHAREHOLDERS Alexander R. Allemann – Shareholder Austin, Corporate, Securities/Mergers & Acquisitions Noelle L. Garsek – Shareholder Dallas, Real Estate Development & Investments Elliot Clark – Shareholder Austin, Commercial Litigation Justin A. Hoover – Shareholder Fort Worth, Corporate, Securities/Mergers & Acquisitions Eli O. Columbus – Shareholder Dallas, Business Restructuring/Bankruptcy Joshua L. Lebar – Shareholder Houston, Real Estate Development & Investments Lorin Williams Combs – Shareholder Dallas, Real Estate Development & Investments Robert A. Voigt, Jr. – Shareholder Austin, Intellectual Property 35 Winstead Commitment to Clients and our Core Values Office Locations Commitment to Clients We are more than just your attorneys—our knowledge of your business and industry makes us an extension of your core business team. We are practical, roll-up-our-sleeves lawyers committed to using our broad legal experience to relentlessly pursue innovative solutions on your terms. Our Core Values include: AUSTIN Teamwork We accomplish more together than we could alone, knowing that inclusiveness is essential to teamwork, and we are willing to give more than we receive. Excellence We expect and accept only the best. Personal Growth We challenge ourselves and will continually examine and raise our expectations. Respect We respect each other, our clients, our adversaries and the law. We support and take pride in our firm and each other. Integrity We are fair and honest in all we do. The truth is absolute—regardless of consequences. Dependability We take responsibility, act professionally and will meet or exceed expectations. Intensity We are committed to and relentlessly pursue all we undertake. Service We serve our clients, our firm, each other, our profession and our community. Commitment We are loyal to our clients and each other, and provide long-term opportunity and stability. Winstead Commitment to Diversity Diversity is an essential ingredient of Winstead’s culture and success. Our firm and leadership teams are strongly committed to the recruitment, retention, development and advancement of men and women of all backgrounds so that our workforce reflects the diversity of our clients and our communities. This commitment to diversity applies to our attorneys, staff and to the selection of our business partners and vendors. Winstead is proud to have women and minorities serving at all levels of firm leadership, including the Executive Committee, as Office Managing Partner, Practice Group Chair, and on many internal committees and teams. The 2009 Firm Report is published by Winstead PC for clients and friends of the firm. 401 Congress Avenue Suite 2100 Austin, Texas 78701 512.370.2800 office 512.370.2850 fax DALLAS 5400 Renaissance Tower 1201 Elm Street Dallas, Texas 75270 214.745.5400 office 214.745.5390 fax FORT WORTH 1100 Carter Burgess Plaza 777 Main Street Fort Worth, Texas 76102 817.420.8200 office 817.420.8201 fax HOUSTON 1100 JPMorgan Chase Tower 600 Travis Street Houston, Texas 77002 713.650.8400 office 713.650.2400 fax SAN ANTONIO 300 Convent Street Suite 2700 San Antonio, Texas 78205 210.277.6800 office 210.277.6810 fax THE WOODLANDS 24 Waterway Avenue Suite 500 The Woodlands, Texas 77380 281.681.5900 office 281.681.5901 fax WASHINGTON, D.C. 1120 20th Street, NW Suite 700, North Building Washington, D.C. 20036 202.572.8000 office 202.572.8001 fax ©2009 Winstead PC